On 21st August of 2023, Christin Herrera had served his last day in jail and should have been released - but instead he ended up with a broken leg. And why? Because while he was being processed for the purpose of being discharged, he refused to succumb to a cavity search. Because of that, he was beaten by two prison officers- and that left him with a fractured tibia - and months of painful recovery.
Herrera said that the officers took him to an isolated cell they pepper sprayed, kicked and punched him.
His attorney Leeroy Banner sued the government, the superintendent of prisons and the two officers. And today, Justice Derrick Sylvester ruled on his behalf. He found the respondents liable for general damages inclusive of aggravated damages for assault and battery in the sum of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars along with interest and three thousand dollars cost.
The Judge noted, quote, "It was evident throughout this trial that training is needed for the staff at the Prison". He urged "the immediate training of all officers of the Belize Central Prison."
